{"id":1612,"date":"2019-07-09T16:51:23","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T16:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1612"},"modified":"2019-07-09T16:56:42","modified_gmt":"2019-07-09T16:56:42","slug":"king-lear-act-2","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/king-lear-act-2\/","title":{"raw":"King Lear, Act 2","rendered":"King Lear, Act 2"},"content":{"raw":"

ACT II.<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Scene I. A court within the Castle of the Earl of Gloucester.<\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Edmund and Curan, meeting.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Save thee, Curan.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCur.\r\n
\r\n \t
And you, sir. I have been with your father, and given him<\/dd>\r\n \t
notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his duchess will be<\/dd>\r\n \t
here with him this night.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
How comes that?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCur.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nay, I know not.\u2014You have heard of the news abroad; I mean the<\/dd>\r\n \t
whispered ones, for they are yet but ear-kissing arguments?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not I: pray you, what are they?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCur.\r\n
\r\n \t
Have you heard of no likely wars toward, 'twixt the two dukes<\/dd>\r\n \t
of Cornwall and Albany?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not a word.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCur.\r\n
\r\n \t
You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
The Duke be here to-night? The better! best!<\/dd>\r\n \t
This weaves itself perforce into my business.<\/dd>\r\n \t
My father hath set guard to take my brother;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And I have one thing, of a queasy question,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which I must act:\u2014briefness and fortune work!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Brother, a word!\u2014descend:\u2014brother, I say!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Edgar.]\r\n
\r\n \t
My father watches:\u2014sir, fly this place;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Intelligence is given where you are hid;<\/dd>\r\n \t
You have now the good advantage of the night.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall?<\/dd>\r\n \t
He's coming hither; now, i' the night, i' the haste,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And Regan with him: have you nothing said<\/dd>\r\n \t
Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Advise yourself.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am sure on't, not a word.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I hear my father coming:\u2014pardon me;<\/dd>\r\n \t
In cunning I must draw my sword upon you:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Draw: seem to defend yourself: now quit you well.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Yield:\u2014come before my father.\u2014Light, ho, here!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fly, brother.\u2014Torches, torches!\u2014So farewell.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit Edgar.]\r\n
\r\n \t
Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of my more fierce endeavour: [Wounds his arm.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have seen drunkards<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do more than this in sport.\u2014Father, father!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stop, stop! No help?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Gloucester, and Servants with torches.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Now, Edmund, where's the villain?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon<\/dd>\r\n \t
To stand auspicious mistress,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
But where is he?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Look, sir, I bleed.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Where is the villain, Edmund?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pursue him, ho!\u2014Go after.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt Servants.]\r\n\r\n\u2014By no means what?\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Persuade me to the murder of your lordship;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But that I told him the revenging gods<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond<\/dd>\r\n \t
The child was bound to the father;\u2014sir, in fine,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Seeing how loathly opposite I stood<\/dd>\r\n \t
To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion<\/dd>\r\n \t
With his prepared sword, he charges home<\/dd>\r\n \t
My unprovided body, lanc'd mine arm;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bold in the quarrel's right, rous'd to the encounter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or whether gasted by the noise I made,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Full suddenly he fled.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let him fly far;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And found\u2014dispatch'd.\u2014The noble duke my master,<\/dd>\r\n \t
My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night:<\/dd>\r\n \t
By his authority I will proclaim it,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bringing the murderous coward to the stake;<\/dd>\r\n \t
He that conceals him, death.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
When I dissuaded him from his intent,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And found him pight to do it, with curst speech<\/dd>\r\n \t
I threaten'd to discover him: he replied,<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Thou unpossessing bastard! dost thou think,<\/dd>\r\n \t
If I would stand against thee, would the reposal<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee<\/dd>\r\n \t
Make thy words faith'd? No: what I should deny<\/dd>\r\n \t
As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce<\/dd>\r\n \t
My very character, I'd turn it all<\/dd>\r\n \t
To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice:<\/dd>\r\n \t
And thou must make a dullard of the world,<\/dd>\r\n \t
If they not thought the profits of my death<\/dd>\r\n \t
Were very pregnant and potential spurs<\/dd>\r\n \t
To make thee seek it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Strong and fast'ned villain!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Would he deny his letter?\u2014I never got him.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Trumpets within.]\r\n
\r\n \t
Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not scape;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture<\/dd>\r\n \t
I will send far and near, that all the kingdom<\/dd>\r\n \t
May have due note of him; and of my land,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Loyal and natural boy, I'll work the means<\/dd>\r\n \t
To make thee capable.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.]\r\n\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
How now, my noble friend! since I came hither,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which I can call but now,\u2014I have heard strange news.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
If it be true, all vengeance comes too short<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which can pursue the offender. How dost, my lord?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
O madam, my old heart is crack'd,\u2014it's crack'd!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, did my father's godson seek your life?<\/dd>\r\n \t
He whom my father nam'd? your Edgar?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
O lady, lady, shame would have it hid!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Was he not companion with the riotous knights<\/dd>\r\n \t
That tend upon my father?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know not, madam:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
It is too bad, too bad.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
Yes, madam, he was of that consort.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
No marvel then though he were ill affected:<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Tis they have put him on the old man's death,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To have the expense and waste of his revenues.<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have this present evening from my sister<\/dd>\r\n \t
Been well inform'd of them; and with such cautions<\/dd>\r\n \t
That if they come to sojourn at my house,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'll not be there.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Nor I, assure thee, Regan.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father<\/dd>\r\n \t
A childlike office.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Twas my duty, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
He did bewray his practice; and receiv'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Is he pursu'd?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, my good lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
If he be taken, he shall never more<\/dd>\r\n \t
Be fear'd of doing harm: make your own purpose,<\/dd>\r\n \t
How in my strength you please.\u2014For you, Edmund,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant<\/dd>\r\n \t
So much commend itself, you shall be ours:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need;<\/dd>\r\n \t
You we first seize on.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
I shall serve you, sir,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Truly, however else.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
For him I thank your grace.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
You know not why we came to visit you,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thus out of season, threading dark-ey'd night:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Wherein we must have use of your advice:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of differences, which I best thought it fit<\/dd>\r\n \t
To answer from our home; the several messengers<\/dd>\r\n \t
From hence attend despatch. Our good old friend,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Lay comforts to your bosom; and bestow<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your needful counsel to our business,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which craves the instant use.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I serve you, madam:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your graces are right welcome.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene II. Before Gloucester's Castle.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Kent and Oswald, severally.]\r\n\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good dawning to thee, friend: art of this house?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Where may we set our horses?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I' the mire.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pr'ythee, if thou lov'st me, tell me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I love thee not.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why then, I care not for thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
If I had thee in Lipsbury pinfold, I would make thee care for me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fellow, I know thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
What dost thou know me for?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud,<\/dd>\r\n \t
shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy,<\/dd>\r\n \t
worsted-stocking knave; a lily-livered, action-taking, whoreson,<\/dd>\r\n \t
glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue;<\/dd>\r\n \t
one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of<\/dd>\r\n \t
good service, and art nothing but the composition of a<\/dd>\r\n \t
knave, beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel<\/dd>\r\n \t
bitch: one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou<\/dd>\r\n \t
denyest the least syllable of thy addition.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one that's<\/dd>\r\n \t
neither known of thee nor knows thee?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me! Is<\/dd>\r\n \t
it two days ago since I beat thee and tripped up thy heels before<\/dd>\r\n \t
the king? Draw, you rogue: for, though it be night, yet the moon<\/dd>\r\n \t
shines; I'll make a sop o' the moonshine of you: draw, you<\/dd>\r\n \t
whoreson cullionly barbermonger, draw!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Drawing his sword.]\r\n\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Away! I have nothing to do with thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Draw, you rascal: you come with letters against the king; and<\/dd>\r\n \t
take vanity the puppet's part against the royalty of her father:<\/dd>\r\n \t
draw, you rogue, or I'll so carbonado your shanks:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
draw, you rascal; come your ways!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Help, ho! murder! help!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Strike, you slave; stand, rogue, stand; you neat slave, strike!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Beating him.]\r\n\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
Help, ho! murder! murder!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Edmund, Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, and Servants.]\r\n\r\nEdm.\r\n
\r\n \t
How now! What's the matter?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
With you, goodman boy, an you please: come, I'll flesh you; come<\/dd>\r\n \t
on, young master.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Weapons! arms! What's the matter here?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Keep peace, upon your lives;<\/dd>\r\n \t
He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
The messengers from our sister and the king.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
What is your difference? speak.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am scarce in breath, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
No marvel, you have so bestirr'd your valour. You cowardly<\/dd>\r\n \t
rascal, nature disclaims in thee; a tailor made thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou art a strange fellow: a tailor make a man?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, a tailor, sir: a stonecutter or a painter could not have<\/dd>\r\n \t
made him so ill, though he had been but two hours at the trade.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared at suit of<\/dd>\r\n \t
his grey<\/dd>\r\n \t
beard,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter!\u2014My lord, if you'll<\/dd>\r\n \t
give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar and<\/dd>\r\n \t
daub the walls of a jakes with him.\u2014Spare my grey beard, you<\/dd>\r\n \t
wagtail?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Peace, sirrah!<\/dd>\r\n \t
You beastly knave, know you no reverence?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Yes, sir; but anger hath a privilege.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why art thou angry?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
That such a slave as this should wear a sword,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Like rats, oft bite the holy cords a-twain<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which are too intrinse t' unloose; smooth every passion<\/dd>\r\n \t
That in the natures of their lords rebel;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks<\/dd>\r\n \t
With every gale and vary of their masters,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Knowing naught, like dogs, but following.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
A plague upon your epileptic visage!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Goose, an I had you upon Sarum plain,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'd drive ye cackling home to Camelot.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
What, art thou mad, old fellow?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
How fell you out?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Say that.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
No contraries hold more antipathy<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than I and such a knave.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
His countenance likes me not.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
No more perchance does mine, or his, or hers.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have seen better faces in my time<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than stands on any shoulder that I see<\/dd>\r\n \t
Before me at this instant.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is some fellow<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who, having been prais'd for bluntness, doth affect<\/dd>\r\n \t
A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb<\/dd>\r\n \t
Quite from his nature: he cannot flatter, he,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
An honest mind and plain,\u2014he must speak truth!<\/dd>\r\n \t
An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain.<\/dd>\r\n \t
These kind of knaves I know which in this plainness<\/dd>\r\n \t
Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than twenty silly-ducking observants<\/dd>\r\n \t
That stretch their duties nicely.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Under the allowance of your great aspect,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire<\/dd>\r\n \t
On flickering Phoebus' front,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
What mean'st by this?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
To go out of my dialect, which you discommend so much. I know,<\/dd>\r\n \t
sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled you in a plain accent<\/dd>\r\n \t
was a plain knave; which, for my part, I will not be, though I<\/dd>\r\n \t
should win your displeasure to entreat me to't.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
What was the offence you gave him?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nOsw.\r\n
\r\n \t
I never gave him any:<\/dd>\r\n \t
It pleas'd the king his master very late<\/dd>\r\n \t
To strike at me, upon his misconstruction;<\/dd>\r\n \t
When he, compact, and flattering his displeasure,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
And put upon him such a deal of man,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That worthied him, got praises of the king<\/dd>\r\n \t
For him attempting who was self-subdu'd;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Drew on me here again.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
None of these rogues and cowards<\/dd>\r\n \t
But Ajax is their fool.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fetch forth the stocks!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
You stubborn ancient knave, you reverent braggart,<\/dd>\r\n \t
We'll teach you,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, I am too old to learn:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Call not your stocks for me: I serve the king;<\/dd>\r\n \t
On whose employment I was sent to you:<\/dd>\r\n \t
You shall do small respect, show too bold malice<\/dd>\r\n \t
Against the grace and person of my master,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stocking his messenger.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fetch forth the stocks!\u2014As I have life and honour,<\/dd>\r\n \t
there shall he sit till noon.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Till noon! Till night, my lord; and all night too!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, madam, if I were your father's dog,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You should not use me so.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Sir, being his knave, I will.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is a fellow of the self-same colour<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our sister speaks of.\u2014Come, bring away the stocks!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Stocks brought out.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let me beseech your grace not to do so:<\/dd>\r\n \t
His fault is much, and the good king his master<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will check him for't: your purpos'd low correction<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is such as basest and contemned'st wretches<\/dd>\r\n \t
For pilferings and most common trespasses,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are punish'd with: the king must take it ill<\/dd>\r\n \t
That he, so slightly valu'd in his messenger,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Should have him thus restrain'd.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
I'll answer that.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
My sister may receive it much more worse,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To have her gentleman abus'd, assaulted,<\/dd>\r\n \t
For following her affairs.\u2014Put in his legs.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Kent is put in the stocks.]\r\n
\r\n \t
Come, my good lord, away.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt all but Gloucester and Kent.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am sorry for thee, friend; 'tis the duke's pleasure,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose disposition, all the world well knows,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd; I'll entreat for thee.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Pray do not, sir: I have watch'd, and travell'd hard;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle.<\/dd>\r\n \t
A good man's fortune may grow out at heels:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Give you good morrow!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
The duke's to blame in this: 'twill be ill taken.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good king, that must approve the common saw,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou out of heaven's benediction com'st<\/dd>\r\n \t
To the warm sun!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That by thy comfortable beams I may<\/dd>\r\n \t
Peruse this letter.\u2014Nothing almost sees miracles<\/dd>\r\n \t
But misery:\u2014I know 'tis from Cordelia,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Who hath most fortunately been inform'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of my obscured course; and shall find time<\/dd>\r\n \t
From this enormous state,\u2014seeking to give<\/dd>\r\n \t
Losses their remedies,\u2014All weary and o'erwatch'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold<\/dd>\r\n \t
This shameful lodging.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fortune, good night: smile once more, turn thy wheel!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[He sleeps.]\r\n

Scene III. The open Country.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Edgar.]\r\n\r\nEdg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I heard myself proclaim'd;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And by the happy hollow of a tree<\/dd>\r\n \t
Escap'd the hunt. No port is free; no place<\/dd>\r\n \t
That guard and most unusual vigilance<\/dd>\r\n \t
Does not attend my taking. While I may scape,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I will preserve myself: and am bethought<\/dd>\r\n \t
To take the basest and most poorest shape<\/dd>\r\n \t
That ever penury, in contempt of man,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Brought near to beast: my face I'll grime with filth;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Blanket my loins; elf all my hair in knots;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And with presented nakedness outface<\/dd>\r\n \t
The winds and persecutions of the sky.<\/dd>\r\n \t
The country gives me proof and precedent<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms<\/dd>\r\n \t
Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And with this horrible object, from low farms,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes, and mills,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Enforce their charity.\u2014Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!<\/dd>\r\n \t
That's something yet:\u2014Edgar I nothing am.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n

<\/span>Scene IV. Before Gloucester's Castle; Kent in the stocks.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n[Enter Lear, Fool, and Gentleman.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis strange that they should so depart from home,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And not send back my messenger.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
As I learn'd,<\/dd>\r\n \t
The night before there was no purpose in them<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of this remove.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hail to thee, noble master!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ha!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, my lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ha, ha! he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the<\/dd>\r\n \t
head; dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the loins, and<\/dd>\r\n \t
men by the legs: when a man is over-lusty at legs, then he<\/dd>\r\n \t
wears wooden nether-stocks.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
What's he that hath so much thy place mistook<\/dd>\r\n \t
To set thee here?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
It is both he and she,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your son and daughter.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Yes.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, I say.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
I say, yea.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
By Jupiter, I swear no.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
By Juno, I swear ay.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
They durst not do't.<\/dd>\r\n \t
They would not, could not do't; 'tis worse than murder,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To do upon respect such violent outrage:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Resolve me, with all modest haste, which way<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Coming from us.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
My lord, when at their home<\/dd>\r\n \t
I did commend your highness' letters to them,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ere I was risen from the place that show'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stew'd in his haste, half breathless, panting forth<\/dd>\r\n \t
From Goneril his mistress salutations;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Deliver'd letters, spite of intermission,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which presently they read: on whose contents,<\/dd>\r\n \t
They summon'd up their meiny, straight took horse;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Commanded me to follow and attend<\/dd>\r\n \t
The leisure of their answer; gave me cold looks:<\/dd>\r\n \t
And meeting here the other messenger,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whose welcome I perceiv'd had poison'd mine,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Being the very fellow which of late<\/dd>\r\n \t
Display'd so saucily against your highness,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Having more man than wit about me, drew:<\/dd>\r\n \t
He rais'd the house with loud and coward cries.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth<\/dd>\r\n \t
The shame which here it suffers.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Winter's not gone yet, if the wild geese fly that way.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fathers that wear rags<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do make their children blind;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But fathers that bear bags<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall see their children kind.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fortune, that arrant whore,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Ne'er turns the key to th' poor.<\/dd>\r\n \t
But for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours for thy<\/dd>\r\n \t
daughters as thou canst tell in a year.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hysterica passio,\u2014down, thou climbing sorrow,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy element's below!\u2014Where is this daughter?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
With the earl, sir, here within.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Follow me not;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stay here.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nGent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Made you no more offence but what you speak of?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
None.<\/dd>\r\n \t
How chance the king comes with so small a number?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
An thou hadst been set i' the stocks for that question,<\/dd>\r\n \t
thou hadst well deserved it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why, fool?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee there's no<\/dd>\r\n \t
labouring in the winter. All that follow their noses are led by<\/dd>\r\n \t
their eyes but blind men; and there's not a nose among twenty<\/dd>\r\n \t
but can smell him that's stinking. Let go thy hold when a great<\/dd>\r\n \t
wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following<\/dd>\r\n \t
it; but the great one that goes up the hill, let him draw thee<\/dd>\r\n \t
after.<\/dd>\r\n \t
When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again: I<\/dd>\r\n \t
would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it.<\/dd>\r\n \t
That sir which serves and seeks for gain,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And follows but for form,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will pack when it begins to rain,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And leave thee in the storm.<\/dd>\r\n \t
But I will tarry; the fool will stay,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And let the wise man fly:<\/dd>\r\n \t
The knave turns fool that runs away;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The fool no knave, perdy.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nKent.\r\n
\r\n \t
Where learn'd you this, fool?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not i' the stocks, fool.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Re-enter Lear, with Gloucester.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are weary?<\/dd>\r\n \t
They have travell'd all the night? Mere fetches;<\/dd>\r\n \t
The images of revolt and flying off.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fetch me a better answer.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
My dear lord,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You know the fiery quality of the duke;<\/dd>\r\n \t
How unremovable and fix'd he is<\/dd>\r\n \t
In his own course.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Vengeance! plague! death! confusion!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fiery? What quality? why, Gloucester, Gloucester,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Well, my good lord, I have inform'd them so.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Inform'd them! Dost thou understand me, man?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ay, my good lord.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
The King would speak with Cornwall; the dear father<\/dd>\r\n \t
Would with his daughter speak, commands her service:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are they inform'd of this?\u2014My breath and blood!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Fiery? the fiery duke?\u2014Tell the hot duke that\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
No, but not yet: may be he is not well:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Infirmity doth still neglect all office<\/dd>\r\n \t
Whereto our health is bound: we are not ourselves<\/dd>\r\n \t
When nature, being oppress'd, commands the mind<\/dd>\r\n \t
To suffer with the body: I'll forbear;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And am fallen out with my more headier will,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To take the indispos'd and sickly fit<\/dd>\r\n \t
For the sound man.\u2014Death on my state! Wherefore<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Looking on Kent.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
Should he sit here? This act persuades me<\/dd>\r\n \t
That this remotion of the duke and her<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Go tell the duke and's wife I'd speak with them,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Now, presently: bid them come forth and hear me,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or at their chamber door I'll beat the drum<\/dd>\r\n \t
Till it cry 'Sleep to death.'<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
I would have all well betwixt you.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exit.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
O me, my heart, my rising heart!\u2014but down!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nFool.\r\n
\r\n \t
Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she<\/dd>\r\n \t
put 'em i' the paste alive; she knapped 'em o' the coxcombs with<\/dd>\r\n \t
a stick and cried 'Down, wantons, down!' 'Twas her brother that,<\/dd>\r\n \t
in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, and Servants.]\r\n\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good-morrow to you both.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hail to your grace!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Kent is set at liberty.]\r\n\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I am glad to see your highness.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Regan, I think you are; I know what reason<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Sepulchring an adultress.\u2014[To Kent] O, are you free?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Some other time for that.\u2014Beloved Regan,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy sister's naught: O Regan, she hath tied<\/dd>\r\n \t
Sharp-tooth'd unkindness, like a vulture, here,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Points to his heart.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
I can scarce speak to thee; thou'lt not believe<\/dd>\r\n \t
With how deprav'd a quality\u2014O Regan!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I pray you, sir, take patience: I have hope<\/dd>\r\n \t
You less know how to value her desert<\/dd>\r\n \t
Than she to scant her duty.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Say, how is that?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I cannot think my sister in the least<\/dd>\r\n \t
Would fail her obligation: if, sir, perchance<\/dd>\r\n \t
She have restrain'd the riots of your followers,<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end,<\/dd>\r\n \t
As clears her from all blame.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
My curses on her!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, sir, you are old;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Nature in you stands on the very verge<\/dd>\r\n \t
Of her confine: you should be rul'd and led<\/dd>\r\n \t
By some discretion, that discerns your state<\/dd>\r\n \t
Better than you yourself. Therefore, I pray you,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That to our sister you do make return;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Say you have wrong'd her, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Ask her forgiveness?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do you but mark how this becomes the house:<\/dd>\r\n \t
'Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Kneeling.]<\/dd>\r\n \t
Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg<\/dd>\r\n \t
That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.'<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good sir, no more! These are unsightly tricks:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Return you to my sister.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
[Rising.] Never, Regan:<\/dd>\r\n \t
She hath abated me of half my train;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Most serpent-like, upon the very heart:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
All the stor'd vengeances of heaven fall<\/dd>\r\n \t
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You taking airs, with lameness!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Fie, sir, fie!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames<\/dd>\r\n \t
Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the powerful sun,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To fall and blast her pride!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
O the blest gods!<\/dd>\r\n \t
So will you wish on me when the rash mood is on.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thee o'er to harshness: her eyes are fierce; but thine<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do comfort, and not burn. 'Tis not in thee<\/dd>\r\n \t
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt<\/dd>\r\n \t
Against my coming in: thou better know'st<\/dd>\r\n \t
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou not forgot,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Wherein I thee endow'd.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Good sir, to the purpose.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Who put my man i' the stocks?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Tucket within.]\r\n\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
What trumpet's that?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I know't\u2014my sister's: this approves her letter,<\/dd>\r\n \t
That she would soon be here.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Oswald.]\r\n
\r\n \t
Is your lady come?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride<\/dd>\r\n \t
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Out, varlet, from my sight!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
What means your grace?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Who stock'd my servant? Regan, I have good hope<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thou didst not know on't.\u2014Who comes here? O heavens!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Enter Goneril.]\r\n
\r\n \t
If you do love old men, if your sweet sway<\/dd>\r\n \t
Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Make it your cause; send down, and take my part!\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
[To Goneril.] Art not asham'd to look upon this beard?\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why not by the hand, sir? How have I offended?<\/dd>\r\n \t
All's not offence that indiscretion finds<\/dd>\r\n \t
And dotage terms so.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
O sides, you are too tough!<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will you yet hold?\u2014How came my man i' the stocks?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
I set him there, sir: but his own disorders<\/dd>\r\n \t
Deserv'd much less advancement.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
You? did you?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.<\/dd>\r\n \t
If, till the expiration of your month,<\/dd>\r\n \t
You will return and sojourn with my sister,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Dismissing half your train, come then to me:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I am now from home, and out of that provision<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Return to her, and fifty men dismiss'd?<\/dd>\r\n \t
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose<\/dd>\r\n \t
To wage against the enmity o' the air;<\/dd>\r\n \t
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
Necessity's sharp pinch!\u2014Return with her?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took<\/dd>\r\n \t
Our youngest born, I could as well be brought<\/dd>\r\n \t
To knee his throne, and, squire-like, pension beg<\/dd>\r\n \t
To keep base life afoot.\u2014Return with her?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter<\/dd>\r\n \t
To this detested groom.<\/dd>\r\n \t
[Pointing to Oswald.]<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
At your choice, sir.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I pr'ythee, daughter, do not make me mad:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell:<\/dd>\r\n \t
We'll no more meet, no more see one another:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or rather a disease that's in my flesh,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which I must needs call mine: thou art a boil,<\/dd>\r\n \t
A plague sore, an embossed carbuncle<\/dd>\r\n \t
In my corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee;<\/dd>\r\n \t
Let shame come when it will, I do not call it:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot<\/dd>\r\n \t
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I can be patient; I can stay with Regan,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I and my hundred knights.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Not altogether so:<\/dd>\r\n \t
I look'd not for you yet, nor am provided<\/dd>\r\n \t
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister;<\/dd>\r\n \t
For those that mingle reason with your passion<\/dd>\r\n \t
Must be content to think you old, and so\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
But she knows what she does.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Is this well spoken?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
I dare avouch it, sir: what, fifty followers?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Is it not well? What should you need of more?<\/dd>\r\n \t
Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger<\/dd>\r\n \t
Speak 'gainst so great a number? How in one house<\/dd>\r\n \t
Should many people, under two commands,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Hold amity? 'Tis hard; almost impossible.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance<\/dd>\r\n \t
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
Why not, my lord? If then they chanc'd to slack you,<\/dd>\r\n \t
We could control them. If you will come to me,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
For now I spy a danger,\u2014I entreat you<\/dd>\r\n \t
To bring but five-and-twenty: to no more<\/dd>\r\n \t
Will I give place or notice.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
I gave you all,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
And in good time you gave it.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Made you my guardians, my depositaries;<\/dd>\r\n \t
But kept a reservation to be follow'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
With such a number. What, must I come to you<\/dd>\r\n \t
With five-and-twenty, Regan? said you so?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
And speak't again my lord; no more with me.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd<\/dd>\r\n \t
When others are more wicked; not being the worst<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stands in some rank of praise.\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
[To Goneril.] I'll go with thee:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And thou art twice her love.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
Hear, me, my lord:<\/dd>\r\n \t
What need you five-and-twenty, ten, or five,<\/dd>\r\n \t
To follow in a house where twice so many<\/dd>\r\n \t
Have a command to tend you?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
What need one?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nLear.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, reason not the need: our basest beggars<\/dd>\r\n \t
Are in the poorest thing superfluous:<\/dd>\r\n \t
Allow not nature more than nature needs,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Man's life is cheap as beast's: thou art a lady;<\/dd>\r\n \t
If only to go warm were gorgeous,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st<\/dd>\r\n \t
Which scarcely keeps thee warm.\u2014But, for true need,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need!<\/dd>\r\n \t
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,<\/dd>\r\n \t
As full of grief as age; wretched in both!<\/dd>\r\n \t
If it be you that stirs these daughters' hearts<\/dd>\r\n \t
Against their father, fool me not so much<\/dd>\r\n \t
To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger,<\/dd>\r\n \t
And let not women's weapons, water-drops,<\/dd>\r\n \t
Stain my man's cheeks!\u2014No, you unnatural hags,<\/dd>\r\n \t
I will have such revenges on you both<\/dd>\r\n \t
That all the world shall,\u2014I will do such things,\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
What they are yet, I know not; but they shall be<\/dd>\r\n \t
The terrors of the earth. You think I'll weep;<\/dd>\r\n \t
No, I'll not weep:\u2014<\/dd>\r\n \t
I have full cause of weeping; but this heart<\/dd>\r\n \t
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws<\/dd>\r\n \t
Or ere I'll weep.\u2014O fool, I shall go mad!<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt Lear, Gloucester, Kent, and Fool. Storm heard at a distance.]\r\n\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Let us withdraw; 'twill be a storm.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
This house is little: the old man and his people<\/dd>\r\n \t
Cannot be well bestow'd.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest<\/dd>\r\n \t
And must needs taste his folly.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
For his particular, I'll receive him gladly,<\/dd>\r\n \t
But not one follower.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
So am I purpos'd.<\/dd>\r\n \t
Where is my lord of Gloucester?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Followed the old man forth:\u2014he is return'd.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Re-enter Gloucester.]\r\n\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
The king is in high rage.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Whither is he going?<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
He calls to horse; but will I know not whither.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
'Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGon.\r\n
\r\n \t
My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nGlou.\r\n
\r\n \t
Alack, the night comes on, and the high winds<\/dd>\r\n \t
Do sorely ruffle; for many miles about<\/dd>\r\n \t
There's scarce a bush.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nReg.\r\n
\r\n \t
O, sir, to wilful men<\/dd>\r\n \t
The injuries that they themselves procure<\/dd>\r\n \t
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors:<\/dd>\r\n \t
He is attended with a desperate train;<\/dd>\r\n \t
And what they may incense him to, being apt<\/dd>\r\n \t
To have his ear abus'd, wisdom bids fear.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\nCorn.\r\n
\r\n \t
Shut up your doors, my lord; 'tis a wild night:<\/dd>\r\n \t
My Regan counsels well: come out o' the storm.<\/dd>\r\n<\/dl>\r\n[Exeunt.]","rendered":"

ACT II.<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Scene I. A court within the Castle of the Earl of Gloucester.<\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Edmund and Curan, meeting.]<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Save thee, Curan.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cur.<\/p>\n

\n
And you, sir. I have been with your father, and given him<\/dd>\n
notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his duchess will be<\/dd>\n
here with him this night.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
How comes that?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cur.<\/p>\n

\n
Nay, I know not.\u2014You have heard of the news abroad; I mean the<\/dd>\n
whispered ones, for they are yet but ear-kissing arguments?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Not I: pray you, what are they?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cur.<\/p>\n

\n
Have you heard of no likely wars toward, ‘twixt the two dukes<\/dd>\n
of Cornwall and Albany?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Not a word.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Cur.<\/p>\n

\n
You may do, then, in time. Fare you well, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
The Duke be here to-night? The better! best!<\/dd>\n
This weaves itself perforce into my business.<\/dd>\n
My father hath set guard to take my brother;<\/dd>\n
And I have one thing, of a queasy question,<\/dd>\n
Which I must act:\u2014briefness and fortune work!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Brother, a word!\u2014descend:\u2014brother, I say!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Edgar.]<\/p>\n

\n
My father watches:\u2014sir, fly this place;<\/dd>\n
Intelligence is given where you are hid;<\/dd>\n
You have now the good advantage of the night.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Have you not spoken ‘gainst the Duke of Cornwall?<\/dd>\n
He’s coming hither; now, i’ the night, i’ the haste,<\/dd>\n
And Regan with him: have you nothing said<\/dd>\n
Upon his party ‘gainst the Duke of Albany?<\/dd>\n
Advise yourself.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
I am sure on’t, not a word.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I hear my father coming:\u2014pardon me;<\/dd>\n
In cunning I must draw my sword upon you:\u2014<\/dd>\n
Draw: seem to defend yourself: now quit you well.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Yield:\u2014come before my father.\u2014Light, ho, here!<\/dd>\n
Fly, brother.\u2014Torches, torches!\u2014So farewell.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit Edgar.]<\/p>\n

\n
Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion<\/dd>\n
Of my more fierce endeavour: [Wounds his arm.]<\/dd>\n
I have seen drunkards<\/dd>\n
Do more than this in sport.\u2014Father, father!<\/dd>\n
Stop, stop! No help?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Gloucester, and Servants with torches.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Now, Edmund, where’s the villain?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Here stood he in the dark, his sharp sword out,<\/dd>\n
Mumbling of wicked charms, conjuring the moon<\/dd>\n
To stand auspicious mistress,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
But where is he?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Look, sir, I bleed.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Where is the villain, Edmund?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Fled this way, sir. When by no means he could,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Pursue him, ho!\u2014Go after.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt Servants.]<\/p>\n

\u2014By no means what?<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Persuade me to the murder of your lordship;<\/dd>\n
But that I told him the revenging gods<\/dd>\n
‘Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend;<\/dd>\n
Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond<\/dd>\n
The child was bound to the father;\u2014sir, in fine,<\/dd>\n
Seeing how loathly opposite I stood<\/dd>\n
To his unnatural purpose, in fell motion<\/dd>\n
With his prepared sword, he charges home<\/dd>\n
My unprovided body, lanc’d mine arm;<\/dd>\n
But when he saw my best alarum’d spirits,<\/dd>\n
Bold in the quarrel’s right, rous’d to the encounter,<\/dd>\n
Or whether gasted by the noise I made,<\/dd>\n
Full suddenly he fled.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Let him fly far;<\/dd>\n
Not in this land shall he remain uncaught;<\/dd>\n
And found\u2014dispatch’d.\u2014The noble duke my master,<\/dd>\n
My worthy arch and patron, comes to-night:<\/dd>\n
By his authority I will proclaim it,<\/dd>\n
That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks,<\/dd>\n
Bringing the murderous coward to the stake;<\/dd>\n
He that conceals him, death.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
When I dissuaded him from his intent,<\/dd>\n
And found him pight to do it, with curst speech<\/dd>\n
I threaten’d to discover him: he replied,<\/dd>\n
‘Thou unpossessing bastard! dost thou think,<\/dd>\n
If I would stand against thee, would the reposal<\/dd>\n
Of any trust, virtue, or worth in thee<\/dd>\n
Make thy words faith’d? No: what I should deny<\/dd>\n
As this I would; ay, though thou didst produce<\/dd>\n
My very character, I’d turn it all<\/dd>\n
To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice:<\/dd>\n
And thou must make a dullard of the world,<\/dd>\n
If they not thought the profits of my death<\/dd>\n
Were very pregnant and potential spurs<\/dd>\n
To make thee seek it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Strong and fast’ned villain!<\/dd>\n
Would he deny his letter?\u2014I never got him.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Trumpets within.]<\/p>\n

\n
Hark, the duke’s trumpets! I know not why he comes.\u2014<\/dd>\n
All ports I’ll bar; the villain shall not scape;<\/dd>\n
The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture<\/dd>\n
I will send far and near, that all the kingdom<\/dd>\n
May have due note of him; and of my land,<\/dd>\n
Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means<\/dd>\n
To make thee capable.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Cornwall, Regan, and Attendants.]<\/p>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
How now, my noble friend! since I came hither,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Which I can call but now,\u2014I have heard strange news.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
If it be true, all vengeance comes too short<\/dd>\n
Which can pursue the offender. How dost, my lord?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
O madam, my old heart is crack’d,\u2014it’s crack’d!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
What, did my father’s godson seek your life?<\/dd>\n
He whom my father nam’d? your Edgar?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
O lady, lady, shame would have it hid!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Was he not companion with the riotous knights<\/dd>\n
That tend upon my father?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I know not, madam:\u2014<\/dd>\n
It is too bad, too bad.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
Yes, madam, he was of that consort.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
No marvel then though he were ill affected:<\/dd>\n
‘Tis they have put him on the old man’s death,<\/dd>\n
To have the expense and waste of his revenues.<\/dd>\n
I have this present evening from my sister<\/dd>\n
Been well inform’d of them; and with such cautions<\/dd>\n
That if they come to sojourn at my house,<\/dd>\n
I’ll not be there.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Nor I, assure thee, Regan.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father<\/dd>\n
A childlike office.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Twas my duty, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
He did bewray his practice; and receiv’d<\/dd>\n
This hurt you see, striving to apprehend him.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Is he pursu’d?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, my good lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
If he be taken, he shall never more<\/dd>\n
Be fear’d of doing harm: make your own purpose,<\/dd>\n
How in my strength you please.\u2014For you, Edmund,<\/dd>\n
Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant<\/dd>\n
So much commend itself, you shall be ours:<\/dd>\n
Natures of such deep trust we shall much need;<\/dd>\n
You we first seize on.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
I shall serve you, sir,<\/dd>\n
Truly, however else.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
For him I thank your grace.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
You know not why we came to visit you,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Thus out of season, threading dark-ey’d night:<\/dd>\n
Occasions, noble Gloucester, of some poise,<\/dd>\n
Wherein we must have use of your advice:\u2014<\/dd>\n
Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister,<\/dd>\n
Of differences, which I best thought it fit<\/dd>\n
To answer from our home; the several messengers<\/dd>\n
From hence attend despatch. Our good old friend,<\/dd>\n
Lay comforts to your bosom; and bestow<\/dd>\n
Your needful counsel to our business,<\/dd>\n
Which craves the instant use.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I serve you, madam:<\/dd>\n
Your graces are right welcome.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Scene II. Before Gloucester’s Castle.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Kent and Oswald, severally.]<\/p>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Good dawning to thee, friend: art of this house?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Where may we set our horses?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ the mire.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Pr’ythee, if thou lov’st me, tell me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I love thee not.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Why then, I care not for thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
If I had thee in Lipsbury pinfold, I would make thee care for me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Fellow, I know thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
What dost thou know me for?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud,<\/dd>\n
shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy,<\/dd>\n
worsted-stocking knave; a lily-livered, action-taking, whoreson,<\/dd>\n
glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue;<\/dd>\n
one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of<\/dd>\n
good service, and art nothing but the composition of a<\/dd>\n
knave, beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel<\/dd>\n
bitch: one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou<\/dd>\n
denyest the least syllable of thy addition.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one that’s<\/dd>\n
neither known of thee nor knows thee?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me! Is<\/dd>\n
it two days ago since I beat thee and tripped up thy heels before<\/dd>\n
the king? Draw, you rogue: for, though it be night, yet the moon<\/dd>\n
shines; I’ll make a sop o’ the moonshine of you: draw, you<\/dd>\n
whoreson cullionly barbermonger, draw!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Drawing his sword.]<\/p>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Away! I have nothing to do with thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Draw, you rascal: you come with letters against the king; and<\/dd>\n
take vanity the puppet’s part against the royalty of her father:<\/dd>\n
draw, you rogue, or I’ll so carbonado your shanks:\u2014<\/dd>\n
draw, you rascal; come your ways!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Help, ho! murder! help!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Strike, you slave; stand, rogue, stand; you neat slave, strike!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Beating him.]<\/p>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
Help, ho! murder! murder!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Edmund, Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, and Servants.]<\/p>\n

Edm.<\/p>\n

\n
How now! What’s the matter?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
With you, goodman boy, an you please: come, I’ll flesh you; come<\/dd>\n
on, young master.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Weapons! arms! What’s the matter here?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Keep peace, upon your lives;<\/dd>\n
He dies that strikes again. What is the matter?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
The messengers from our sister and the king.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
What is your difference? speak.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I am scarce in breath, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
No marvel, you have so bestirr’d your valour. You cowardly<\/dd>\n
rascal, nature disclaims in thee; a tailor made thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou art a strange fellow: a tailor make a man?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, a tailor, sir: a stonecutter or a painter could not have<\/dd>\n
made him so ill, though he had been but two hours at the trade.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Speak yet, how grew your quarrel?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared at suit of<\/dd>\n
his grey<\/dd>\n
beard,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter!\u2014My lord, if you’ll<\/dd>\n
give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar and<\/dd>\n
daub the walls of a jakes with him.\u2014Spare my grey beard, you<\/dd>\n
wagtail?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Peace, sirrah!<\/dd>\n
You beastly knave, know you no reverence?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Yes, sir; but anger hath a privilege.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Why art thou angry?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
That such a slave as this should wear a sword,<\/dd>\n
Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these,<\/dd>\n
Like rats, oft bite the holy cords a-twain<\/dd>\n
Which are too intrinse t’ unloose; smooth every passion<\/dd>\n
That in the natures of their lords rebel;<\/dd>\n
Bring oil to fire, snow to their colder moods;<\/dd>\n
Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks<\/dd>\n
With every gale and vary of their masters,<\/dd>\n
Knowing naught, like dogs, but following.\u2014<\/dd>\n
A plague upon your epileptic visage!<\/dd>\n
Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool?<\/dd>\n
Goose, an I had you upon Sarum plain,<\/dd>\n
I’d drive ye cackling home to Camelot.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
What, art thou mad, old fellow?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
How fell you out?<\/dd>\n
Say that.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
No contraries hold more antipathy<\/dd>\n
Than I and such a knave.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Why dost thou call him knave? What is his fault?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
His countenance likes me not.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
No more perchance does mine, or his, or hers.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, ’tis my occupation to be plain:<\/dd>\n
I have seen better faces in my time<\/dd>\n
Than stands on any shoulder that I see<\/dd>\n
Before me at this instant.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
This is some fellow<\/dd>\n
Who, having been prais’d for bluntness, doth affect<\/dd>\n
A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb<\/dd>\n
Quite from his nature: he cannot flatter, he,\u2014<\/dd>\n
An honest mind and plain,\u2014he must speak truth!<\/dd>\n
An they will take it, so; if not, he’s plain.<\/dd>\n
These kind of knaves I know which in this plainness<\/dd>\n
Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends<\/dd>\n
Than twenty silly-ducking observants<\/dd>\n
That stretch their duties nicely.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity,<\/dd>\n
Under the allowance of your great aspect,<\/dd>\n
Whose influence, like the wreath of radiant fire<\/dd>\n
On flickering Phoebus’ front,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
What mean’st by this?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
To go out of my dialect, which you discommend so much. I know,<\/dd>\n
sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled you in a plain accent<\/dd>\n
was a plain knave; which, for my part, I will not be, though I<\/dd>\n
should win your displeasure to entreat me to’t.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
What was the offence you gave him?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Osw.<\/p>\n

\n
I never gave him any:<\/dd>\n
It pleas’d the king his master very late<\/dd>\n
To strike at me, upon his misconstruction;<\/dd>\n
When he, compact, and flattering his displeasure,<\/dd>\n
Tripp’d me behind; being down, insulted, rail’d<\/dd>\n
And put upon him such a deal of man,<\/dd>\n
That worthied him, got praises of the king<\/dd>\n
For him attempting who was self-subdu’d;<\/dd>\n
And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,<\/dd>\n
Drew on me here again.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
None of these rogues and cowards<\/dd>\n
But Ajax is their fool.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Fetch forth the stocks!\u2014<\/dd>\n
You stubborn ancient knave, you reverent braggart,<\/dd>\n
We’ll teach you,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, I am too old to learn:<\/dd>\n
Call not your stocks for me: I serve the king;<\/dd>\n
On whose employment I was sent to you:<\/dd>\n
You shall do small respect, show too bold malice<\/dd>\n
Against the grace and person of my master,<\/dd>\n
Stocking his messenger.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Fetch forth the stocks!\u2014As I have life and honour,<\/dd>\n
there shall he sit till noon.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Till noon! Till night, my lord; and all night too!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, madam, if I were your father’s dog,<\/dd>\n
You should not use me so.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Sir, being his knave, I will.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
This is a fellow of the self-same colour<\/dd>\n
Our sister speaks of.\u2014Come, bring away the stocks!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Stocks brought out.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Let me beseech your grace not to do so:<\/dd>\n
His fault is much, and the good king his master<\/dd>\n
Will check him for’t: your purpos’d low correction<\/dd>\n
Is such as basest and contemned’st wretches<\/dd>\n
For pilferings and most common trespasses,<\/dd>\n
Are punish’d with: the king must take it ill<\/dd>\n
That he, so slightly valu’d in his messenger,<\/dd>\n
Should have him thus restrain’d.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
I’ll answer that.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
My sister may receive it much more worse,<\/dd>\n
To have her gentleman abus’d, assaulted,<\/dd>\n
For following her affairs.\u2014Put in his legs.\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Kent is put in the stocks.]<\/p>\n

\n
Come, my good lord, away.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt all but Gloucester and Kent.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I am sorry for thee, friend; ’tis the duke’s pleasure,<\/dd>\n
Whose disposition, all the world well knows,<\/dd>\n
Will not be rubb’d nor stopp’d; I’ll entreat for thee.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Pray do not, sir: I have watch’d, and travell’d hard;<\/dd>\n
Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I’ll whistle.<\/dd>\n
A good man’s fortune may grow out at heels:<\/dd>\n
Give you good morrow!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
The duke’s to blame in this: ’twill be ill taken.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Good king, that must approve the common saw,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Thou out of heaven’s benediction com’st<\/dd>\n
To the warm sun!<\/dd>\n
Approach, thou beacon to this under globe,<\/dd>\n
That by thy comfortable beams I may<\/dd>\n
Peruse this letter.\u2014Nothing almost sees miracles<\/dd>\n
But misery:\u2014I know ’tis from Cordelia,<\/dd>\n
Who hath most fortunately been inform’d<\/dd>\n
Of my obscured course; and shall find time<\/dd>\n
From this enormous state,\u2014seeking to give<\/dd>\n
Losses their remedies,\u2014All weary and o’erwatch’d,<\/dd>\n
Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold<\/dd>\n
This shameful lodging.<\/dd>\n
Fortune, good night: smile once more, turn thy wheel!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[He sleeps.]<\/p>\n

Scene III. The open Country.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Edgar.]<\/p>\n

Edg.<\/p>\n

\n
I heard myself proclaim’d;<\/dd>\n
And by the happy hollow of a tree<\/dd>\n
Escap’d the hunt. No port is free; no place<\/dd>\n
That guard and most unusual vigilance<\/dd>\n
Does not attend my taking. While I may scape,<\/dd>\n
I will preserve myself: and am bethought<\/dd>\n
To take the basest and most poorest shape<\/dd>\n
That ever penury, in contempt of man,<\/dd>\n
Brought near to beast: my face I’ll grime with filth;<\/dd>\n
Blanket my loins; elf all my hair in knots;<\/dd>\n
And with presented nakedness outface<\/dd>\n
The winds and persecutions of the sky.<\/dd>\n
The country gives me proof and precedent<\/dd>\n
Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices,<\/dd>\n
Strike in their numb’d and mortified bare arms<\/dd>\n
Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;<\/dd>\n
And with this horrible object, from low farms,<\/dd>\n
Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes, and mills,<\/dd>\n
Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers,<\/dd>\n
Enforce their charity.\u2014Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!<\/dd>\n
That’s something yet:\u2014Edgar I nothing am.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Scene IV. Before Gloucester’s Castle; Kent in the stocks.<\/span>[<\/span>edit<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[Enter Lear, Fool, and Gentleman.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis strange that they should so depart from home,<\/dd>\n
And not send back my messenger.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
As I learn’d,<\/dd>\n
The night before there was no purpose in them<\/dd>\n
Of this remove.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Hail to thee, noble master!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ha!<\/dd>\n
Mak’st thou this shame thy pastime?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
No, my lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Ha, ha! he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the<\/dd>\n
head; dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the loins, and<\/dd>\n
men by the legs: when a man is over-lusty at legs, then he<\/dd>\n
wears wooden nether-stocks.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
What’s he that hath so much thy place mistook<\/dd>\n
To set thee here?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
It is both he and she,<\/dd>\n
Your son and daughter.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Yes.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No, I say.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
I say, yea.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
By Jupiter, I swear no.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
By Juno, I swear ay.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
They durst not do’t.<\/dd>\n
They would not, could not do’t; ’tis worse than murder,<\/dd>\n
To do upon respect such violent outrage:<\/dd>\n
Resolve me, with all modest haste, which way<\/dd>\n
Thou mightst deserve or they impose this usage,<\/dd>\n
Coming from us.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
My lord, when at their home<\/dd>\n
I did commend your highness’ letters to them,<\/dd>\n
Ere I was risen from the place that show’d<\/dd>\n
My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post,<\/dd>\n
Stew’d in his haste, half breathless, panting forth<\/dd>\n
From Goneril his mistress salutations;<\/dd>\n
Deliver’d letters, spite of intermission,<\/dd>\n
Which presently they read: on whose contents,<\/dd>\n
They summon’d up their meiny, straight took horse;<\/dd>\n
Commanded me to follow and attend<\/dd>\n
The leisure of their answer; gave me cold looks:<\/dd>\n
And meeting here the other messenger,<\/dd>\n
Whose welcome I perceiv’d had poison’d mine,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Being the very fellow which of late<\/dd>\n
Display’d so saucily against your highness,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Having more man than wit about me, drew:<\/dd>\n
He rais’d the house with loud and coward cries.<\/dd>\n
Your son and daughter found this trespass worth<\/dd>\n
The shame which here it suffers.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Winter’s not gone yet, if the wild geese fly that way.<\/dd>\n
Fathers that wear rags<\/dd>\n
Do make their children blind;<\/dd>\n
But fathers that bear bags<\/dd>\n
Shall see their children kind.<\/dd>\n
Fortune, that arrant whore,<\/dd>\n
Ne’er turns the key to th’ poor.<\/dd>\n
But for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours for thy<\/dd>\n
daughters as thou canst tell in a year.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
O, how this mother swells up toward my heart!<\/dd>\n
Hysterica passio,\u2014down, thou climbing sorrow,<\/dd>\n
Thy element’s below!\u2014Where is this daughter?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
With the earl, sir, here within.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Follow me not;<\/dd>\n
Stay here.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Gent.<\/p>\n

\n
Made you no more offence but what you speak of?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
None.<\/dd>\n
How chance the king comes with so small a number?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
An thou hadst been set i’ the stocks for that question,<\/dd>\n
thou hadst well deserved it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Why, fool?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
We’ll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee there’s no<\/dd>\n
labouring in the winter. All that follow their noses are led by<\/dd>\n
their eyes but blind men; and there’s not a nose among twenty<\/dd>\n
but can smell him that’s stinking. Let go thy hold when a great<\/dd>\n
wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following<\/dd>\n
it; but the great one that goes up the hill, let him draw thee<\/dd>\n
after.<\/dd>\n
When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again: I<\/dd>\n
would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it.<\/dd>\n
That sir which serves and seeks for gain,<\/dd>\n
And follows but for form,<\/dd>\n
Will pack when it begins to rain,<\/dd>\n
And leave thee in the storm.<\/dd>\n
But I will tarry; the fool will stay,<\/dd>\n
And let the wise man fly:<\/dd>\n
The knave turns fool that runs away;<\/dd>\n
The fool no knave, perdy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Kent.<\/p>\n

\n
Where learn’d you this, fool?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Not i’ the stocks, fool.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Re-enter Lear, with Gloucester.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Deny to speak with me? They are sick? they are weary?<\/dd>\n
They have travell’d all the night? Mere fetches;<\/dd>\n
The images of revolt and flying off.<\/dd>\n
Fetch me a better answer.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
My dear lord,<\/dd>\n
You know the fiery quality of the duke;<\/dd>\n
How unremovable and fix’d he is<\/dd>\n
In his own course.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Vengeance! plague! death! confusion!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Fiery? What quality? why, Gloucester, Gloucester,<\/dd>\n
I’d speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Well, my good lord, I have inform’d them so.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Inform’d them! Dost thou understand me, man?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Ay, my good lord.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
The King would speak with Cornwall; the dear father<\/dd>\n
Would with his daughter speak, commands her service:<\/dd>\n
Are they inform’d of this?\u2014My breath and blood!\u2014<\/dd>\n
Fiery? the fiery duke?\u2014Tell the hot duke that\u2014<\/dd>\n
No, but not yet: may be he is not well:<\/dd>\n
Infirmity doth still neglect all office<\/dd>\n
Whereto our health is bound: we are not ourselves<\/dd>\n
When nature, being oppress’d, commands the mind<\/dd>\n
To suffer with the body: I’ll forbear;<\/dd>\n
And am fallen out with my more headier will,<\/dd>\n
To take the indispos’d and sickly fit<\/dd>\n
For the sound man.\u2014Death on my state! Wherefore<\/dd>\n
[Looking on Kent.]<\/dd>\n
Should he sit here? This act persuades me<\/dd>\n
That this remotion of the duke and her<\/dd>\n
Is practice only. Give me my servant forth.<\/dd>\n
Go tell the duke and’s wife I’d speak with them,<\/dd>\n
Now, presently: bid them come forth and hear me,<\/dd>\n
Or at their chamber door I’ll beat the drum<\/dd>\n
Till it cry ‘Sleep to death.’<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
I would have all well betwixt you.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exit.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
O me, my heart, my rising heart!\u2014but down!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Fool.<\/p>\n

\n
Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she<\/dd>\n
put ’em i’ the paste alive; she knapped ’em o’ the coxcombs with<\/dd>\n
a stick and cried ‘Down, wantons, down!’ ‘Twas her brother that,<\/dd>\n
in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Cornwall, Regan, Gloucester, and Servants.]<\/p>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Good-morrow to you both.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Hail to your grace!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Kent is set at liberty.]<\/p>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I am glad to see your highness.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Regan, I think you are; I know what reason<\/dd>\n
I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad,<\/dd>\n
I would divorce me from thy mother’s tomb,<\/dd>\n
Sepulchring an adultress.\u2014[To Kent] O, are you free?<\/dd>\n
Some other time for that.\u2014Beloved Regan,<\/dd>\n
Thy sister’s naught: O Regan, she hath tied<\/dd>\n
Sharp-tooth’d unkindness, like a vulture, here,\u2014<\/dd>\n
[Points to his heart.]<\/dd>\n
I can scarce speak to thee; thou’lt not believe<\/dd>\n
With how deprav’d a quality\u2014O Regan!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I pray you, sir, take patience: I have hope<\/dd>\n
You less know how to value her desert<\/dd>\n
Than she to scant her duty.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Say, how is that?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I cannot think my sister in the least<\/dd>\n
Would fail her obligation: if, sir, perchance<\/dd>\n
She have restrain’d the riots of your followers,<\/dd>\n
‘Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end,<\/dd>\n
As clears her from all blame.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
My curses on her!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
O, sir, you are old;<\/dd>\n
Nature in you stands on the very verge<\/dd>\n
Of her confine: you should be rul’d and led<\/dd>\n
By some discretion, that discerns your state<\/dd>\n
Better than you yourself. Therefore, I pray you,<\/dd>\n
That to our sister you do make return;<\/dd>\n
Say you have wrong’d her, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Ask her forgiveness?<\/dd>\n
Do you but mark how this becomes the house:<\/dd>\n
‘Dear daughter, I confess that I am old;<\/dd>\n
[Kneeling.]<\/dd>\n
Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg<\/dd>\n
That you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.’<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Good sir, no more! These are unsightly tricks:<\/dd>\n
Return you to my sister.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
[Rising.] Never, Regan:<\/dd>\n
She hath abated me of half my train;<\/dd>\n
Look’d black upon me; struck me with her tongue,<\/dd>\n
Most serpent-like, upon the very heart:\u2014<\/dd>\n
All the stor’d vengeances of heaven fall<\/dd>\n
On her ingrateful top! Strike her young bones,<\/dd>\n
You taking airs, with lameness!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Fie, sir, fie!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames<\/dd>\n
Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty,<\/dd>\n
You fen-suck’d fogs, drawn by the powerful sun,<\/dd>\n
To fall and blast her pride!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
O the blest gods!<\/dd>\n
So will you wish on me when the rash mood is on.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
No, Regan, thou shalt never have my curse:<\/dd>\n
Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give<\/dd>\n
Thee o’er to harshness: her eyes are fierce; but thine<\/dd>\n
Do comfort, and not burn. ‘Tis not in thee<\/dd>\n
To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train,<\/dd>\n
To bandy hasty words, to scant my sizes,<\/dd>\n
And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt<\/dd>\n
Against my coming in: thou better know’st<\/dd>\n
The offices of nature, bond of childhood,<\/dd>\n
Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude;<\/dd>\n
Thy half o’ the kingdom hast thou not forgot,<\/dd>\n
Wherein I thee endow’d.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Good sir, to the purpose.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Who put my man i’ the stocks?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Tucket within.]<\/p>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
What trumpet’s that?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I know’t\u2014my sister’s: this approves her letter,<\/dd>\n
That she would soon be here.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Oswald.]<\/p>\n

\n
Is your lady come?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
This is a slave, whose easy-borrowed pride<\/dd>\n
Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows.\u2014<\/dd>\n
Out, varlet, from my sight!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
What means your grace?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Who stock’d my servant? Regan, I have good hope<\/dd>\n
Thou didst not know on’t.\u2014Who comes here? O heavens!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Enter Goneril.]<\/p>\n

\n
If you do love old men, if your sweet sway<\/dd>\n
Allow obedience, if yourselves are old,<\/dd>\n
Make it your cause; send down, and take my part!\u2014<\/dd>\n
[To Goneril.] Art not asham’d to look upon this beard?\u2014<\/dd>\n
O Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Why not by the hand, sir? How have I offended?<\/dd>\n
All’s not offence that indiscretion finds<\/dd>\n
And dotage terms so.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
O sides, you are too tough!<\/dd>\n
Will you yet hold?\u2014How came my man i’ the stocks?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
I set him there, sir: but his own disorders<\/dd>\n
Deserv’d much less advancement.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
You? did you?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I pray you, father, being weak, seem so.<\/dd>\n
If, till the expiration of your month,<\/dd>\n
You will return and sojourn with my sister,<\/dd>\n
Dismissing half your train, come then to me:<\/dd>\n
I am now from home, and out of that provision<\/dd>\n
Which shall be needful for your entertainment.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Return to her, and fifty men dismiss’d?<\/dd>\n
No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose<\/dd>\n
To wage against the enmity o’ the air;<\/dd>\n
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,\u2014<\/dd>\n
Necessity’s sharp pinch!\u2014Return with her?<\/dd>\n
Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took<\/dd>\n
Our youngest born, I could as well be brought<\/dd>\n
To knee his throne, and, squire-like, pension beg<\/dd>\n
To keep base life afoot.\u2014Return with her?<\/dd>\n
Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter<\/dd>\n
To this detested groom.<\/dd>\n
[Pointing to Oswald.]<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
At your choice, sir.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I pr’ythee, daughter, do not make me mad:<\/dd>\n
I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell:<\/dd>\n
We’ll no more meet, no more see one another:\u2014<\/dd>\n
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;<\/dd>\n
Or rather a disease that’s in my flesh,<\/dd>\n
Which I must needs call mine: thou art a boil,<\/dd>\n
A plague sore, an embossed carbuncle<\/dd>\n
In my corrupted blood. But I’ll not chide thee;<\/dd>\n
Let shame come when it will, I do not call it:<\/dd>\n
I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot<\/dd>\n
Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove:<\/dd>\n
Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure:<\/dd>\n
I can be patient; I can stay with Regan,<\/dd>\n
I and my hundred knights.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Not altogether so:<\/dd>\n
I look’d not for you yet, nor am provided<\/dd>\n
For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister;<\/dd>\n
For those that mingle reason with your passion<\/dd>\n
Must be content to think you old, and so\u2014<\/dd>\n
But she knows what she does.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Is this well spoken?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
I dare avouch it, sir: what, fifty followers?<\/dd>\n
Is it not well? What should you need of more?<\/dd>\n
Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger<\/dd>\n
Speak ‘gainst so great a number? How in one house<\/dd>\n
Should many people, under two commands,<\/dd>\n
Hold amity? ‘Tis hard; almost impossible.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Why might not you, my lord, receive attendance<\/dd>\n
From those that she calls servants, or from mine?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
Why not, my lord? If then they chanc’d to slack you,<\/dd>\n
We could control them. If you will come to me,\u2014<\/dd>\n
For now I spy a danger,\u2014I entreat you<\/dd>\n
To bring but five-and-twenty: to no more<\/dd>\n
Will I give place or notice.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
I gave you all,\u2014<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
And in good time you gave it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Made you my guardians, my depositaries;<\/dd>\n
But kept a reservation to be follow’d<\/dd>\n
With such a number. What, must I come to you<\/dd>\n
With five-and-twenty, Regan? said you so?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
And speak’t again my lord; no more with me.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour’d<\/dd>\n
When others are more wicked; not being the worst<\/dd>\n
Stands in some rank of praise.\u2014<\/dd>\n
[To Goneril.] I’ll go with thee:<\/dd>\n
Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty,<\/dd>\n
And thou art twice her love.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
Hear, me, my lord:<\/dd>\n
What need you five-and-twenty, ten, or five,<\/dd>\n
To follow in a house where twice so many<\/dd>\n
Have a command to tend you?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
What need one?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Lear.<\/p>\n

\n
O, reason not the need: our basest beggars<\/dd>\n
Are in the poorest thing superfluous:<\/dd>\n
Allow not nature more than nature needs,<\/dd>\n
Man’s life is cheap as beast’s: thou art a lady;<\/dd>\n
If only to go warm were gorgeous,<\/dd>\n
Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear’st<\/dd>\n
Which scarcely keeps thee warm.\u2014But, for true need,\u2014<\/dd>\n
You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need!<\/dd>\n
You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,<\/dd>\n
As full of grief as age; wretched in both!<\/dd>\n
If it be you that stirs these daughters’ hearts<\/dd>\n
Against their father, fool me not so much<\/dd>\n
To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger,<\/dd>\n
And let not women’s weapons, water-drops,<\/dd>\n
Stain my man’s cheeks!\u2014No, you unnatural hags,<\/dd>\n
I will have such revenges on you both<\/dd>\n
That all the world shall,\u2014I will do such things,\u2014<\/dd>\n
What they are yet, I know not; but they shall be<\/dd>\n
The terrors of the earth. You think I’ll weep;<\/dd>\n
No, I’ll not weep:\u2014<\/dd>\n
I have full cause of weeping; but this heart<\/dd>\n
Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws<\/dd>\n
Or ere I’ll weep.\u2014O fool, I shall go mad!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt Lear, Gloucester, Kent, and Fool. Storm heard at a distance.]<\/p>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Let us withdraw; ’twill be a storm.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
This house is little: the old man and his people<\/dd>\n
Cannot be well bestow’d.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest<\/dd>\n
And must needs taste his folly.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
For his particular, I’ll receive him gladly,<\/dd>\n
But not one follower.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
So am I purpos’d.<\/dd>\n
Where is my lord of Gloucester?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Followed the old man forth:\u2014he is return’d.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Re-enter Gloucester.]<\/p>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
The king is in high rage.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Whither is he going?<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
He calls to horse; but will I know not whither.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
‘Tis best to give him way; he leads himself.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Gon.<\/p>\n

\n
My lord, entreat him by no means to stay.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Glou.<\/p>\n

\n
Alack, the night comes on, and the high winds<\/dd>\n
Do sorely ruffle; for many miles about<\/dd>\n
There’s scarce a bush.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Reg.<\/p>\n

\n
O, sir, to wilful men<\/dd>\n
The injuries that they themselves procure<\/dd>\n
Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors:<\/dd>\n
He is attended with a desperate train;<\/dd>\n
And what they may incense him to, being apt<\/dd>\n
To have his ear abus’d, wisdom bids fear.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Corn.<\/p>\n

\n
Shut up your doors, my lord; ’tis a wild night:<\/dd>\n
My Regan counsels well: come out o’ the storm.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

[Exeunt.]<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t

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Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Public domain content<\/div>